Uber uses a data visualization framework internally, to aid it with its maps. The framework is used to do a whole bunch of things including visualizing the pick-up and drop-off experiences and is called deck.gl. The platform also helps the company visualize all the data it collects during its journeys. So basically, deck.gl helps in the visualization of extremely large datasets so as to enable Uber to glean insights.
The company had open sourced this particular tool back in November. However, it was still very limited in its capabilities. After all, not everyone has a cab-hailing company. However, the update Uber is pushing to it now is expected to bring about a manifold improvement in its capabilities and enable other to use the tool for their benefit.
Speaking on the topic, Nicolas Garcia Belmonte, Uber’s head of data visualization said:
The main idea behind this library is that it’s a WebGL-powered framework that is designed for exploring and visualizing data assets at scale. There’s a lot of geospatial stuff that we do here, as well, as you can probably imagine from the core business, so we visualize a lot of data on maps.
Uber’s own data sets are pretty huge. As such, the tool is quite well equipped to deal with huge datasets of any size. Uber also said that the new update would enable others to go beyond maps, and use the tool to implement to visual data sets from machine learning and other more abstract use cases. For instance, the tool could be used to visualize network traffic and more.
The usability of the app was also brought into the question which makes it easier for developers. For instance, better documentation as well as new demonstration projects are now available for developers.
Speaking with the TechCrunch, Belmonte said:
Personally, I’m a very big advocate for open source, so I think that open source can help the business in many other ways, and those ways are immediately more valuable than someone paying for this software. I would say this is more about trying to reach out to developers and seeing what they can come up with in creative ways.
